Tyson Bagent was a story nobody expected to unfold. He starred at Division II Shepherd in college, setting multiple passing records. It was enough to get him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he impressed all week. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get drafted. That didn't stop the Chicago Bears from pushing hard to sign him as an undrafted free agent. They felt he had certain traits they coveted in a quarterback. Bagent had multiple offers on the table. However, he felt the Bears gave him the most direct path to making the roster.
He couldn't have known how right he was.
Bagent knew that if he wanted any chance of getting noticed, he'd have to study the playbook and master the intricate footwork it required. That might result in slow progress initially, but it could help him down the line. The gamble paid off. Bagent was excellent in the preseason, playing well enough to get veterans P.J. Walker and Nathan Peterman cut. That success came from his confidence in how to run the offense. His next task was to be prepared for the possibility Justin Fields might get hurt. When that time arrived Sunday against Minnesota, he had one thing to say to the coaches.
"Kinda going into the game last week, I just kind of told 'em, 'Hey, I know you guys have a lot of faith in me, but I do want to let you know I know the whole call sheet. So don't be afraid to do your thing. Call your plays. Don't hinder the offense just cause I'm going in there, cause I've prepared for this all week.' So I take pride in doing that. Yeah whatever is put on there is usually what will be understood and what I'll figure out how to operate."
Tyson Bagent never lacks confidence.
He's not arrogant in any way. It is more a self-assurance that he works hard enough to be prepared for any possibility. This young man has faced long odds his entire football life. Despite playing well in high school, he got no interest from major college programs. So he went to Shepherd and set records. Then, once again, when he should've gotten serious interest from the NFL, they passed him over countless times in the draft. Now here he is, set to start his first game as a professional for the Bears.
Expectations for him are low. That is understandable. He's a rookie playing behind a banged-up offensive line against one of the hottest pass rushers in the league, Maxx Crosby. Still, that doesn't seem to bother Tyson Bagent himself. He is working his tail off to get ready for Sunday. He knows the playbook inside and out. Provided he doesn't let the awe of playing the Raiders overwhelm him, he believes he can help this team win some games. It is hard not to cheer for somebody like that.
